APUSH: Period 7, 1890-1945 - The New Deal, FDR, Alphabet Agencies, Second New Deal, Critics

Why This Matters

The New Deal, implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) in response to the Great Depression, is a pivotal moment in American history. It represents a significant shift in the role of the federal government in addressing economic crises and social welfare. The New Deal's emphasis on government intervention and social reform reflects the AP theme of Politics and Power, highlighting the tension between individual liberties and collective action. Understanding the New Deal is crucial for grasping the evolution of American politics, the rise of the welfare state, and the ongoing debate over the proper role of government in society.

Key Events & People

• Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR): Elected president in 1932, FDR implemented a series of policies to address the Great Depression, including the New Deal. He served an unprecedented four terms.
• The Great Depression (1929-1939): A global economic downturn that led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and social unrest in the United States.
• The First New Deal (1933-1934): FDR's initial set of policies, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the National Recovery Administration (NRA).
• The Second New Deal (1935-1936): FDR's second wave of policies, featuring the Social Security Act, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
• Alphabet Agencies: A series of government agencies created during the New Deal, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
• John Nance Garner: FDR's vice president from 1933 to 1941, who advocated for a more conservative approach to the New Deal.
• Henry Morgenthau Jr.: FDR's secretary of the treasury from 1934 to 1945, who played a key role in shaping New Deal economic policies.
• The Supreme Court: FDR's court-packing plan, which aimed to expand the court and secure liberal majorities, was met with resistance and ultimately failed.
• The Bonus Army: A group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington in 1932 to demand early payment of a promised bonus, leading to clashes with the U.S. Army.
• The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): A key piece of legislation that established the National Recovery Administration (NRA) and set minimum wages and working conditions.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The stock market crash of 1929 led to widespread economic devastation.
• Effect: The Great Depression resulted in high levels of unemployment, poverty, and social unrest.
• Long-term consequence: The New Deal's emphasis on government intervention and social welfare helped establish the modern welfare state and set a precedent for future government responses to economic crises.

Essential Vocabulary

• *New Deal*: A series of policies implemented by FDR to address the Great Depression, emphasizing government intervention and social welfare.
• *Alphabet Agencies*: A series of government agencies created during the New Deal, including the FDIC, SEC, and TVA.
• *First New Deal*: FDR's initial set of policies, including the CCC, WPA, and NRA.
• *Second New Deal*: FDR's second wave of policies, featuring the Social Security Act, WPA, and NLRA.
• *Court-packing plan*: FDR's proposal to expand the Supreme Court and secure liberal majorities.
• *National Recovery Administration (NRA)*: A key piece of legislation that established minimum wages and working conditions.
• *Works Progress Administration (WPA)*: A program that provided jobs for millions of Americans through infrastructure projects and arts programs.
• *Social Security Act*: A landmark legislation that established a system of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
• *National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)*: A law that protected workers' right to collective bargaining and unionize.
• *Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)*: A government agency that developed the Tennessee River valley and provided electricity to millions of Americans.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: FDR's court-packing plan was a success.
• Correction: FDR's court-packing plan ultimately failed due to opposition from Congress and the Supreme Court.
• What students often get wrong: The New Deal was a single event.
• Correction: The New Deal was a series of policies implemented over several years, including the First New Deal and the Second New Deal.
• What students often get wrong: The Great Depression ended with the New Deal.
• Correction: The Great Depression lasted from 1929 to 1939, with the New Deal being a response to the crisis.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Essay Prompt: Analyze the impact of the New Deal on American society and politics. Be sure to include specific examples from the First New Deal and the Second New Deal.
• Evidence: The Social Security Act, the National Recovery Administration (NRA), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
• Essay Prompt: Evaluate the role of FDR in shaping the New Deal and its legacy.
• Evidence: FDR's speeches, including the "Four Freedoms" speech, and his relationships with key advisors, such as Henry Morgenthau Jr.
• Essay Prompt: Discuss the significance of the New Deal in the context of the AP theme of Politics and Power.
• Evidence: The New Deal's emphasis on government intervention and social welfare, the court-packing plan, and the impact on the Supreme Court.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary goal of the National Recovery Administration (NRA)?
2. Correct answer: To establish minimum wages and working conditions.
3. Explanation: The NRA was a key piece of legislation that aimed to regulate industry and improve working conditions.
4. Who was the primary architect of the New Deal's economic policies?
5. Correct answer: Henry Morgenthau Jr.
6. Explanation: Morgenthau served as FDR's secretary of the treasury from 1934 to 1945 and played a key role in shaping New Deal economic policies.
7. What was the significance of the Social Security Act?
8. Correct answer: It established a system of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
9. Explanation: The Social Security Act was a landmark legislation that provided a safety net for millions of Americans.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The New Deal was not a single event, but a series of policies implemented over several years.
• The First New Deal (1933-1934) and the Second New Deal (1935-1936) were two distinct phases of the New Deal.
• FDR's court-packing plan was a failed attempt to expand the Supreme Court.
• The National Recovery Administration (NRA) established minimum wages and working conditions.
• The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs for millions of Americans through infrastructure projects and arts programs.
• The Social Security Act established a system of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
• The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protected workers' right to collective bargaining and unionize.
• The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) developed the Tennessee River valley and provided electricity to millions of Americans.
• FDR served an unprecedented four terms as president.
• The Great Depression lasted from 1929 to 1939.
• The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington in 1932 to demand early payment of a promised bonus.